Survey Reveals Fear and Stigma Preventing Substance Use Treatment in Northern Virginia
Inova Health recently published results from its 2026 Act on Addiction Survey, which highlight significant barriers that individuals face when seeking treatment for substance use disorders. Among the findings, a staggering three-quarters of respondents identified fear of exposure as a significant deterrent for those considering treatment. Conducted with over 500 adults in Northern Virginia, these results reveal a community grappling with pervasive fears and stigmas surrounding addiction.
The survey also revealed a notable education gap regarding addiction, specifically that many individuals do not recognize it as a brain disorder. Less than 20% were aware that addiction modifies brain circuits related to reward, self-control, and stress. This lack of understanding contributes to misconceptions that can aggravate stigma. Remarkably, nearly 90% of respondents believed that enhancing awareness about addiction being a brain disorder would reduce stigma within their community.
Inova's annual Act on Addiction Campaign seeks to confront these issues directly, encouraging dialogue about substance use and how it impacts not only individuals but families and communities at large.
The implications of untreated substance use disorder are immense. Data from 2022 revealed that 75% of people in need of treatment across the U.S. did not receive it—a staggering figure representing over 40 million individuals. Worryingly, in Virginia alone, roughly 30.7% of overdose fatalities in 2024 were linked to individuals who had not undergone treatment for mental health or substance use issues.
Marquitta Duvernay, Senior Director of Ambulatory CATS and Recovery Services at Inova Health System, emphasizes the critical role of community support in assisting individuals seeking treatment. "A supportive community along with accessible resources can dramatically change the experience for those grappling with these issues. This is why we commit to tackling the stigmas that inhibit progress in our area. We want individuals in Northern Virginia to feel safe, supported, and cared for."
Unfortunately, the survey results indicated that less than half (48%) of participants felt assured that their community would support someone who openly discusses their recovery journey. This confidence shrinks further among marginalized groups, including women (44%), Black respondents (45%), Hispanic individuals (47%), and residents of rural areas (43%). These statistics point to specific demographics that could greatly benefit from targeted outreach and trust-building initiatives.
The Addiction Policy Forum asserts that improving public knowledge about addiction can help eradicate harmful stereotypes and foster a supportive environment for those in recovery. Tracy Hitt Millar, a representative of the Hitt family who collaborates with Inova on the Act on Addiction campaign, notes, "These findings highlight a clear opportunity to enhance education around the topic. By addressing knowledge gaps and promoting open discussions, we can facilitate more timely access to treatment for those in need."
First initiated in 2019, the Act on Addiction campaign receives its support from a generous $16 million donation by the Hitt family to the Inova Health Foundation. This annual campaign strives to increase awareness of addiction and provides necessary tools to friends and families so that they can assist loved ones battling addiction.
In line with this mission, Inova is organizing a community education event titled "Connection Changes the Brain: Rethinking Addiction and Recovery," scheduled for October 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Inova Center for Personalized Health in Fairfax. This event invites members of the Northern Virginia community to engage in conversations with industry experts regarding substance use and collaborative efforts needed to dismantle the stigma surrounding its solutions.
As this community collectively comes together to 'Act on Addiction,' individuals are urged to recognize their role in supporting one another—whether it be for themselves or their loved ones. To register for the event and gather more information, interested participants can visit ActOnAddictionNow.org.
Inova positions itself as a leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Northern Virginia, dedicating its efforts to delivering premier healthcare to the communities it serves. With 22,000 team members, Inova manages over 2 million patient visits annually through an integrated network of facilities specializing in various healthcare services.
Overall, it is clear that the challenge of addiction and its related stigma requires a concerted effort from both the healthcare system and community members. Tackling these issues head-on through education, open dialogue, and support can lead to meaningful changes in addressing substance use disorders in Northern Virginia and beyond.
The survey also revealed a notable education gap regarding addiction, specifically that many individuals do not recognize it as a brain disorder. Less than 20% were aware that addiction modifies brain circuits related to reward, self-control, and stress. This lack of understanding contributes to misconceptions that can aggravate stigma. Remarkably, nearly 90% of respondents believed that enhancing awareness about addiction being a brain disorder would reduce stigma within their community.
Inova's annual Act on Addiction Campaign seeks to confront these issues directly, encouraging dialogue about substance use and how it impacts not only individuals but families and communities at large.
The implications of untreated substance use disorder are immense. Data from 2022 revealed that 75% of people in need of treatment across the U.S. did not receive it—a staggering figure representing over 40 million individuals. Worryingly, in Virginia alone, roughly 30.7% of overdose fatalities in 2024 were linked to individuals who had not undergone treatment for mental health or substance use issues.
Marquitta Duvernay, Senior Director of Ambulatory CATS and Recovery Services at Inova Health System, emphasizes the critical role of community support in assisting individuals seeking treatment. "A supportive community along with accessible resources can dramatically change the experience for those grappling with these issues. This is why we commit to tackling the stigmas that inhibit progress in our area. We want individuals in Northern Virginia to feel safe, supported, and cared for."
Unfortunately, the survey results indicated that less than half (48%) of participants felt assured that their community would support someone who openly discusses their recovery journey. This confidence shrinks further among marginalized groups, including women (44%), Black respondents (45%), Hispanic individuals (47%), and residents of rural areas (43%). These statistics point to specific demographics that could greatly benefit from targeted outreach and trust-building initiatives.
The Addiction Policy Forum asserts that improving public knowledge about addiction can help eradicate harmful stereotypes and foster a supportive environment for those in recovery. Tracy Hitt Millar, a representative of the Hitt family who collaborates with Inova on the Act on Addiction campaign, notes, "These findings highlight a clear opportunity to enhance education around the topic. By addressing knowledge gaps and promoting open discussions, we can facilitate more timely access to treatment for those in need."
First initiated in 2019, the Act on Addiction campaign receives its support from a generous $16 million donation by the Hitt family to the Inova Health Foundation. This annual campaign strives to increase awareness of addiction and provides necessary tools to friends and families so that they can assist loved ones battling addiction.
In line with this mission, Inova is organizing a community education event titled "Connection Changes the Brain: Rethinking Addiction and Recovery," scheduled for October 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Inova Center for Personalized Health in Fairfax. This event invites members of the Northern Virginia community to engage in conversations with industry experts regarding substance use and collaborative efforts needed to dismantle the stigma surrounding its solutions.
As this community collectively comes together to 'Act on Addiction,' individuals are urged to recognize their role in supporting one another—whether it be for themselves or their loved ones. To register for the event and gather more information, interested participants can visit ActOnAddictionNow.org.
Inova positions itself as a leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Northern Virginia, dedicating its efforts to delivering premier healthcare to the communities it serves. With 22,000 team members, Inova manages over 2 million patient visits annually through an integrated network of facilities specializing in various healthcare services.
Overall, it is clear that the challenge of addiction and its related stigma requires a concerted effort from both the healthcare system and community members. Tackling these issues head-on through education, open dialogue, and support can lead to meaningful changes in addressing substance use disorders in Northern Virginia and beyond.
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